2023 was a good year for new records. It seemed like themes and topics were no longer dominated by pandemic-induced experiences, and writers felt free to explore the entirety of their experience again. There was a good mix of new and old, both in terms of songs and artists. There’s the usual caveat that what […]
Readers’ Pick: Marty Stuart – Altitude
You picked Marty Stuart – Altitude as your favorite new release for the week of May 19, 2023.
Todd’s Tops of 2021
1. James McMurtry/The Horses and theHounds2. Jose Gonzalez/Local Valley 3. Isla, Josh Rouse/The Mediterranean Gardner4. The War on Drugs/I Don’t Live Here Anymore5. Charley Crockett/10 For Slim6. Todd Snider/First Agnostic Church of Hope and Wonder7. The Hold Steady/Open Door Policy 8. Neil Young and Crazy Horse/Barn9. The Felice Brothers/From Dreams to Dust10. Nell Smith, The […]
Monday Morning Video – John Prine and Marty Stuart
A little John Prine makes any week better. Here’s Prine, accompanied by Marty Stuart, singing and sharing a story about “Souvenirs” at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Monday Morning Video – A Long Monday Without John Prine
Gonna be a long MondaySittin’ all alone on a mountain by a river that has no endIt’s gonna be a long MondayStuck like the tick of a clock that’s come unwound again and again As we mourn the loss of the wit, wisdom, and humanity of John Prine, here’s a collection of artists paying tribute […]
Monday Morning Video: Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives
If ever there was an aptly named band, this is it. Although the name is an apt description of Marty Stuart himself, a country music mainstay for nearly 50 years. Way Out West, his latest album with the illustrious Superlatives finds him continuing to be a leading light among artists carrying on the tradition of […]
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2014
Here, in no particular order, are a few more favorites from 2014. And the War CameShakey Graves The Shipwreck From the ShoreAnthony D’Amato HealStrand of Oaks Parker MillsapParker Millsap All or Nothin’Nikki Lane Common Ground: Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin Play and Sing the Songs of Big Bill BroonzyDave Alvin and Phil Alvin Eli Paperboy […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Oct 2014, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Boxers, by Matthew Ryan Boxers is an album of discontent. Life, love, work — you name it — the characters that inhabit this collection of songs are dissatisfied. There is rage, resentment and restlessness. Through it all, however, Ryan manages to find a glimmer of hope — sometimes it’s a lyrical […]
Americana 2014: The Sounds, Part 1
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. JOE FLETCHER I couldn’t think of a better way to close […]
2014 Americana Music Awards
On September 17th, the glitterati of the Americana Music Scene gathered at the historic Ryman Theater for their annual Awards show and presentation.  Mayer and I were lucky enough to procure a seat to the festivities.  You can get a full list of the award nominees and winners here, but these are the highlights from our […]